Etiquette

Kuala Lumpur is a melting pot of different cultures and races, with Malay, European, Muslim, Indian, and Chinese influences evident throughout the city. Because of this mix, the local customs vary considerably. KL is predominantly Muslim, and many women wear headscarves, but many other local women don trendy, often revealing threads as well. Arms and legs should be covered when entering certain places of worship—it’s a good idea to pack a sarong—but you can feel free to travel around the city in shorts and tank tops. You should generally remove your shoes before entering someone’s home. Use your right hand to pass and accept anything, as the left is considered dirty. To point to a person, close the right hand into a fist with the thumb on top, using that to single someone out.